5A, 4A volleyball preview: The top players, teams seeking to return glory to the SIC
The coronavirus delayed the start of the season for most 5A and 4A high school volleyball programs in the Treasure Valley. But West Ada and Nampa schools received clearance to play last week, and Boise schools got it Tuesday.
That leaves Treasure Valley teams with work to do to catch up to their counterparts around the state, who have already shaken off the early-season rust. But in Idaho, nothing truly counts until the district and state tournaments in October, giving the Boise metro area time to catch up.
The 5A and 4A Southern Idaho Conferences traditionally struggles at state. Rocky Mountain won the last local 5A title in 2010, and Skyview owns the only local 4A titles in the history of that classification (2016, 2017).
But all bets are off in a season held during a pandemic. So we broke down the top players and teams capable of bringing home state hardware this fall below.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Megan Schulte, Timberline
The senior outside hitter and reigning 5A SIC Player of the Year returns to defend her crown. The Lehigh University commit does it all for the Wolves, racking up kills as one of the league’s top offensive weapons. But she’s also one of the SIC’s top defensive players too.
“She seems to be one step ahead of the play on defense and is always in the right spot,” Mountain View coach Ryan Hoffman said. “She is as solid of a serve-receive player as some of the best liberos in our league and state. And if you don’t get a big, close block against her, she will make you pay.”
Eden Bower, Skyview
A knee injury kept Bower on the sideline last year. Now the junior outside hitter is ready to make up for lost time.
She regained her touch during the club season and will remain a dominant six-rotation player for the Hawks. She verbally committed to BYU in June, joining her sisters Morgan and Whitney, who already are on the Cougars’ roster.
“She is going to be a force to be reckoned with,” Boise coach Ashley Holt said. “She is a top-tier, Division I athlete. She hits the ball at a high point, she can pass and play defense. She’s a triple threat.”
Courtney Weatherby, Kuna
The senior outside hitter can, and does, play nearly every position for the Kavemen. She can scoop balls off the floor as a libero, set up her teammates and power home kills with the best of them. Her range of talent has her verbally committed to Montana State.
“Courtney plays relentlessly with great energy and competitive fire,” Skyview coach Kevin Murphy said.
Miya Koch, Centennial
Versatility remains the top weapon for the Patriots’ senior setter and right-side hitter. Her power and leaping ability make the two-time all-conference selection a threat offensively. She throws up one of the league’s top blocks. And she runs the floor as a setter to facilitate everyone else.
“She has the athletic ability to hang with any of our league’s top players on the court,” Hoffman said. “… She has a motor, and I don’t think there is … a ball she can’t get to or track down.”
Morgan Lamb, Timberline
A four-year starting setter and three-time all-conference selection, the Wolves know what to expect from Lamb. She’s seen it all. She knows where everyone is on the floor and where they need the ball to deliver points.
That experience allows Timberline to breathe easy knowing Lamb has it all handled.
“Her connection with her hitters is extraordinary,” Holt said. “She sets her hitters in rhythm and runs a very balanced offense.”
Audrah Radford, Nampa
The 6-2 junior outside hitter wasted no time making an impression at the high school level, earning second-team 4A SIC honors the last two years. Now she’s made a name for herself on the national stage with her club team, earning a Division I offer from Dixie State.
But that could be just the beginning, much to the chagrin of opposing coaches.
“She has started to realize her full capability in the last six months and will be difficult to block due to her size,” Bishop Kelly coach Joline Armuth said. “Her game IQ is high for her age.”
5A SIC BREAKDOWN
THE FAVORITES: Timberline and Skyview enter the year poised for another battle atop the 5A SIC standings. Skyview received more first-place votes in the preseason poll, but Timberline edged out the Hawks for the top spot thanks to its depth.
The Wolves bring back three starters that lead a potent attack. Schulte, Lamb and middle blocker Chayla Slavin form the backbone of a tall lineup that will pose a threat at the net offensively and defensively.
Skyview has shown no signs of slowing down at the 5A level, finishing second at state the past two years and winning nine straight district championships between 5A and 4A.
The Hawks feature a bounty of young talent, led by Eden Bower, sophomore outside hitter Sydney Nay and freshmen Alex Bower and Melissa Eyer. If Skyview can get them all in sync after a summer lost to the coronavirus, they could make it 10 district titles in a row.
THE CONTENDERS: Eagle brings back four starters from last year’s state qualifier, including Brooke Scott, a three-year starter at outside hitter. She remains the heart of the offense alongside junior setter Gabbi Roberts, who poses an offensive threat with her serve.
Boise also returns four starters from a state-qualifying team. The front row remains loaded with Katie Black, a four-year starter, and Katy Cooper locking down the outside. Middle blocker Kellan Hayes is also one of the league’s top threats at the net offensively and defensively.
THE DARK HORSES: A host of Centennial sophomores gained valuable experience last season, finishing one win shy of state. Now the Patriots can reap the benefits.
Koch, a senior, leads the way as a two-way threat. But she’ll have support from a deep junior class that includes outside hitter London Ipsen, middle blocker Abby Draghici and libero Julia Velasquez.
Kuna rejoins the 5A SIC after winning the 4A district title and finishing third at state. The Kavemen have the luxury of five returning starters and were able to spend more time in the gym this summer than most of their league opponents, giving them an advantage early this fall. But Kuna will have to adjust to a first-year coach in Louise Kreitzer.
4A SIC BREAKDOWN
THE FAVORITES: Bishop Kelly and Middleton start the season as No. 1 and No. 1A. BK edged Middleton in the preseason poll by a single point, the closest possible margin.
The Knights bring back just two starters after missing state two years in a row. Christian Blake, a four-year starter at middle blocker, holds down the middle as a physical and aggressive threat. Injuries depleted the outside hitter ranks a year ago, but Lilly Armuth, Ella Svangstu and Paige Tekippe return to the position finally healthy.
Middleton, meanwhile, also must reload with just one returning starter. Senior outside hitter Carissa Chainey remains one of the 4A SIC’s top weapons, and Middleton coach Taci Morris said she expects several new players to emerge alongside her.
THE CONTENDERS: The departure of Kuna, plus the youth at Bishop Kelly and Middleton, open the door for new challengers.
Nampa stands atop the list. The Bulldogs return six starters from a team that surprised everyone last year to go 6-2 in conference play. Audrah Radford is the early favorite for conference player of the year, Maddie Ehinger slides over to setter and junior Reagan Young locks down the libero position.
Ridgevue also made a surprising run, finishing sixth in the regular season before reaching the district championship match and the state tournament. The Warhawks also bring back six starters, including a pair of potent senior outside hitters in Whitney Stettler and Maddie McKay.
THE DARK HORSE: Mark Columbia down as another up-and-coming team. The Wildcats lost eight seniors to graduation, leaving them just three returning starters. But those three all bring plenty of talent to the floor.
Junior Jeanice Gamez and sophomore Maggie Mills provide firepower at outside hitter, and Miley Mills is back in the middle after starting as a freshman. Maggie and Miley are twins.
This story was originally published September 8, 2020 at 3:26 PM.
